Founded in 1978 by a group of longtime local residents, the Beaches Area Historical Society (BAHS) is the only organization dedicated solely to preserving the history and heritage of Florida’s First Coast beach communities including Mayport, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, and historic Palm Valley.
The Society opened first as a research facility and repository for historic photographs, but soon like-minded local citizens began bringing in their cherished family pieces, and a small museum was born. By 1996 the society had accepted, relocated, and restored the FEC Section Foreman’s House, the Mayport Depot, an early Pablo Beach Post Office, and a 28-ton 1911 steam locomotive.
In 2001, initiated by strong public interest, the BAHS Board of Directors began a capital campaign to raise funds for the construction of a new museum and archives facility. On March 7, 2006, the Beaches Museum & History Park, operated by the Beaches Area Historical Society, opened its doors to residents, tourists, and school children.
Founding Members
Seated: Lois Roberts, Edythe Chambers, Jean McCormick, Beryl Dryden and Dorothy Doggett. Standing: Ish Brant, Ed Shore, Bill Dryden, Charlie Howell, Virgil Deane, and Frank Doggett; February 22, 1978
Beaches Area Historical Society – Jacksonville Beach, Florida. Founding members photographed at first planning meeting.
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